Stereo Antenna

[Wilky]

If I mount a stereo antenna on the side of the console would the t-top interfear with the reception? Any suggestions on antenna type or mounting location? thanks

[Shakespeare]

Why not get a swivel mount and put it on the t-top... get it up in the air. No matter which way ya go try to keep it as far from the VHF antenna and coax as possible. But to answer your question I'm sure you'll pick up a signal under the top but might not get great reception on fringe stations that would ordinarily be heard with a stick in the air. Before you mount it, get out in the water and try various mounting locations to see if there's really a difference.

Shakespeare (no relation) has a nice product selection. http://shakespeare-marine.com/ovr-amfm.asp

Mike C.

[Fillet1]

I have a short rubber whip antenna mounted on the side of the console that extends up next to the windshield. It works great.

[Harry]

I bought a 12 volt powered antenna from boaters world and it has sticky back tape on it. I stuck it inside the console where the front seat cushions bolts. Good reception.

[sullivansisland]

I bought my stereo at West Marine. When I asked about an antenna the clerk pulled a small package off the racks;a wire with an antenna (Motorola) connection on one end and a length of wire about 40" tapering out of the connection to what seems like standard wire. I asked if he was serious, he said thats what they use on all the stereos in the store.

I have it plugged into my stereo under the console and cable tied to stay put. It works great! Only $9.99! It's called an Interior AM/FM Antenna.

Don't have a link; however it's on page 126 of West Marine's catalog.

[Mersiles]

I second the wire antenna. A bud of mine has the wire type mounted in the console. I bought the $50 splitter for the stereo and VHF to use the same antenna. No difference between the two except for $40. *004**clonk**001*

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

If you look close enough on the right side of the console is a white whip antenna, bought it from BW for 12 bucks i think and installed it at one of the screw holes the grab rail was fastened(grab railed removed)
It works very good for me and i get NO interference from or on the vhf radio.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg199/giorgosc/BOAT%20STUFF/DSC_1224.jpg

[Wilky]

Great info thanks everyone, I have to get moving on this, last time out I was wishing I had a radio other then the VHF need a little entertainment when the fish aren't biting.

[Mersiles]

Hey Wilky, just one more thought for a temporary stereo. While my in dash radio was being repaired I went to Wally-World and picked up a cheapo boom box for $20. It worked fine for my short term needs.

[bushwacker]

I just installed a stereo system in my boat yesterday and I used the splitter box that lets the stereo use the same antenna as the vhf radio. I have some pictures that might help. These show the splitter, stereo and the 8 ft antenna that I use. So far this thing works great.*thumbsup*

[Shakespeare]

Hey Bush... that's a pretty neat trick. Just curious... what happens when you key the mic on the VHF? Does it blank out the stereo?

Mike

[Ron]

If you get XM on you radio the antenna wire can be routed through the inside of the T-top tubes and out on top. Here's a picture of how Ed's did it.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh177/mobjack1/P1010113.jpg

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Hey Bush... that's a pretty neat trick. Just curious... what happens when you key the mic on the VHF? Does it blank out the stereo?

Mike
Skakes, i had that on my previous boat and really works with no interference, but for 50 bucks i wouldn't buy one again.

[Wilky]

All are great suggestions, Im gona take another look this weekend then order up, thanks for the suggestions and pics.

[Slim to None]

my dad's boat has the splitter to use the same antenna as the VHF also, works great! no interference on a 8' fiberglass antenna, and we can pick up distant stations clear.

[bushwacker]

Shake it does not blank out the radio and it does get distant stations. I got a Beaumont station today and that 90 miles away.

[Wilky]

I ended up going with Sony CDX-M10 CD Receiver and speaker pkg, Weatherproof Stereo Housing, and decided on the AM/FM/VHF splitter $49.99. Even though the splitter is a few $$ more its seems like the easiest and from the posts sounds like reception is not an issue also I like the idea of using one antenna. Should be in time for fathers day. This should fit in the electronics box nicely. Only thing have to check it out to see how to run the speaker wire down to the console I guess I can get into one of the tubes for the t-top. Thanks again for all the suggestions. Once installed I will post how it worked out. Everything was ordered from Overtons others had about the same price but didn't have everything in stock Overtons was also running 10% off.

[Shakespeare]

Even though the splitter is 50 bucks it eliminates the need for an additional antenna, more external wiring, you got the stick up in the air, and yadi yadi yadi. Sounds like a good option to me. Looking forward to your report Wilky.

Mike C.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

From your electronics box should be a hole to go into one of the t-top stand off and down into the console.Follow any wires you have up there, usually riggers leave a pull line in there for future use.

[Wilky]

NEM thanks for the info, that would work out great Im looking for a fast install so I don't cut into my fishing time.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

NEM thanks for the info, that would work out great Im looking for a fast install so I don't cut into my fishing time.

You are very welcome. *Cheers*

[Wilky]

Played hookey and ran down to installed the stereo today. Antenna splitter worked out great reception on both VHF and stereo is good. Did a couple radio checks and had good signal. Ended up using a jig saw to cut the speaker holes (had wrong bit for the dremel) was easier then I thought.
Stereo mounted in housing in Electronice box. Things were moving along great (thought I might even have time to fish) till I had to fish the speaker wire thru the post for the T-top. What a pain in the Arse! After trying everything imaginable and wasting about 3 HRS. I cut the wire to the Spreader light and Pulled it back thru the tube with a string attached to it. Ended up chewing up the wire I guess there was a sharp corner inside the tube. Pulled back new wire for the lights and the speaker wire. Took longer then I thought but its in.

[Shakespeare]

I cut the wire to the Spreader light and Pulled it back thru the tube with a string attached to it.

Ya know hearing about this kind of stuff really chafes my hide. It takes absolutely no time and effort for the installer to put a pull sting in there when he's wiring up stuff like spreaders. The boys at Chatlees did it for me and I was very appreciative when it came time to install the VHF coax. I swear!... Good help is so hard to find. *004*

Enough of my rant... glad to hear ya got her installed and things are working good. *thumbsup*

Mike C.